Sample Documents & Resources
Sample Documents & Resources
Skip To: Governing Documents | Call Committees | Human Resources | Other
Governing Documents
As more and more new congregations join LCMC, we are receiving more requests for samples of constitutions and bylaws for their review and to assist in the creation or rewriting of their own constitutions and bylaws. LCMC does not have a "model" constitution and does not require approval of a congregation's constitution. The following congregations have graciously provided copies of their constitution and bylaws as an aid to any congregation seeking assistance. There is no requirement to use any of these. They have been provided solely as examples for congregations seeking direction.
Sample Constitutions and By-Laws:
- A Sample Constitution: Provided by Lutheran Church of the Cross, Altoona, IA
- A Sample Constitution: Provided by Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Pell Lake, WI
- A Sample Constitution: Provided by Shalom Community Lutheran Church, Starbuck, MN
- A Sample Constitution: Provided by St Johns Evangelical Lutheran Church, Bridgewater, MI
- A Sample Constitution and By-Law: Provided by Charity Lutheran Church, Bismarck, ND
- A Sample Constitution and By-Law: Provided by Christ Church, Otsego, MN
- A Sample By-Law: Provided by Lutheran Church of the Cross, Altoona, IA
- A Sample By-Law: Provided by Atonement Lutheran Church, Fargo, ND
Call Committee Resources
LCMC Call Packet:
- Call Packet: A guide for congregations navigating the call process.
Section 1 Resources:
- Call Committee Workshop Handbook
- Call Committee Workshop Video Series
- Call Packet Checklist
- Consultants and Assessments
- First Call Committee Meeting Worksheet
- LCMC By-Laws
- LCMC Constitution
- LCMC Pastoral Admonition
- LCMC Statement of Faith
- Transitional Pastoral Leadership
- Transition Teams
Section 2 Resources:
- Compensation in Transition
- Generous Compensation
- LCMC Constitution, By-Laws, Pastoral Admonition, and Statement of Faith (See Section 1)
- Minister's Housing Allowance (See Retirement and Benefits)
Section 3 Resources:
- Background Checks and Background Check Release Form
- Elevator Speeches
- Posting an Open Position on the LCMC Website
- Sample Interview Questions
Section 4 Resources:
- LCMC Pastoral Admonition and Statement of Faith (See Section 1)
- Sample Ordination Service 1
- Sample Ordination Service 2
- Transitions in Your Congregation
Human Resources Documents
- LCMC Employee Handbook: A sample policy manual for church employees
- Handling Alleged Misconduct in the Congregation: A step-by-step guide for congregations to deal with misconduct issues
- Anti-Harassment Policy and Complaint Procedure: A sample guide for how to deal with harassment complaints in congregations
- Abuse By Clergy: An article from the FaithTrust institute dealing with questions and answers regarding the nature of clergy abuse
- Code of Ethics for Pastors: A statement developed by the National Association of Evangelicals to guide pastoral conduct
Other Resources
Sample Documents
- SCOTUS 6/26/15 Decision Resources: Sample responses for congregations to the Supreme Court’s decision to invalidate a state’s decision to define marriage as only between one man and one woman, and to therefore require every state to perform same gender marriage.